Ceuta: Feared New Influx Avoided, Border Remains Quiet

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta has remained calm, with no significant increase in migrant arrivals reported, despite calls on social media for a mass border crossing on Saturday, August 15th. Both Spain and Morocco had bolstered their security presence in anticipation of such an event.

Reporters on the ground described a quiet scene at the border between Morocco and Spain in Fnideq (Castillejos). The situation in the city center was peaceful, with only occasional patrols by police and military personnel visible. Migrant groups were observed in the outer areas, but no large-scale attempts to cross into Ceuta occurred throughout the day.

Moroccan security forces were actively present around Ceuta and Melilla, preventing potential border crossings. Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of migrants, many from sub-Saharan African countries, were stopped near Fnideq, a town approximately 20 kilometers from Ceuta. The Moroccan Interior Ministry stated that 111 undocumented migrants were detained on Saturday.

In preparation for potential surges, additional barriers, including barbed and NATO wire, were erected in Fnideq. Patrol boats monitored the coast, and water cannons were stationed at the border. Spain also increased its security personnel in Ceuta, deploying 880 national police officers, 270 more than in late July, supported by approximately 2,000 soldiers and 700 Guardia Civil officers. This heightened security follows a large influx on July 30th, when an estimated 80,000 migrants reached Ceuta, many by swimming, with numerous deaths reported during the attempt.